6 Qualities to Look For in Your Managed Services Provider

As a business operating in the modern-day business environment, you already understand the need to outsource. Outsourcing is one of the biggest ways to cut costs while also getting professionals to do the job. One of the common areas where modern-day businesses outsource is their technology service needs. The increasing dependence on technology has created a huge market for managed service providers. However, how do you know the best one to pick? We have identified the key qualities to look for in your managed IT service provider. Sign up for Computerbilities, Inc. to learn more about managed service providers.

Watch out for these qualities to streamline your selection process and help you to choose the right managed service provider.

Experience and Expertise Handling Specific Needs

There’s absolutely no other way to measure a managed service provider’s competence and right fit than to look at what they’ve done with similar businesses. You can infer how the company has managed a business similar to yours and how they have kept them happy.

Managed IT service providers who have failed woefully in the past may be a red flag and should be avoided. However, it would help if you stuck with providers who have successfully managed similar businesses and processes or have the specific framework to handle your needs.

Determining their experience level in handling businesses similar to yours also gives you added confidence knowing that they have what it takes to handle emergencies. 

It may also be better to choose a company that’s particularly interested in knowing you and your business first. Such managed service providers tend to be able to deliver tailored and excellent outcomes.

Customization and Scalability 

As a business owner, one of the major reasons you’re outsourcing is to save time, money, and energy while getting things done. Your managed service provider should be on board with this too. You deserve to work with a managed service provider that isn’t trying to force your business to conform to their existing framework.

When selecting your managed IT provider, focus on asking questions that relate to the flexibility of their services. Also, ensure that the company has what it takes to grow with your business over time. You don’t want to be stuck looking for another service provider a few months down the line due to business growth.

Raise these issues with your prospective hires and watch how they respond.

Support Services

Support services aren’t proven on paper. Your managed service provider should have a process that ensures that your support needs are addressed as quickly as possible. Please don’t fall for the 24/7 support service promise; instead, test it out by reaching out to their support team before signing them on.

You’re better off with a company that truly offers 24/7 support services. This ensures that all critical issues will be addressed as quickly as possible before your business suffers any significant losses. 

In addition to their support presence, ensure that your managed service provider has human staff at the other end of the line to address your needs. Some problems may require experts to walk you through them. This can be critical to the success of your business.

Adequate Liability Insurance 

You deserve to work with a managed service provider that understands their legal, contractual, and ethical responsibilities. Ensure that you’ve confirmed that the service provider has the right liability insurance to cover any damages they may be responsible for.

You may also need to check whether they have the right workers’ compensation coverage and what it means for your business as a partner. Choosing a managed service provider with the right liability coverage absolves you of liability and reduces the risks you’re taking on by working with them.

Quality and Price 

Most business owners are happy to pay premium rates for premium services. However, most service providers are looking to earn premium rates for doing the barest minimum. Ensure that the managed service provider has been adequately scrutinized for quality services.

You should also consult with three to four other options to compare their service prices and quality. For quality comparison, start by reading reviews on independent channels. 

Always remember that the cheapest service isn’t always good and the priciest isn’t always the best. 

Sees Outsourcing as Business Partnering

You’re better off working with a managed service provider that sees you and your business as partners. Working with such a managed service provider ensures that your needs are properly handled. 

A business that sees you as a partner understands that your success reflects on them and will do their best to ensure your needs are addressed promptly.